Abstract: Provided is a computer system and method for mapping a visual path. The method includes receiving one or more images included in a predefined area; receiving one or more parameters associated with the image; and integrating the images and parameters into a map of the predefined area to enable mapping the visual path through the predefined area in response to one or more input path parameters.

Abstract: A method for visualizing data comprises allocating the data to one or more groups. The method further comprises displaying one or more non-overlapping symbols on a map to represent the groups. The method further comprises merging the non-overlapping symbols into a lesser number of non-overlapping symbols when the map is zoomed out. The method also comprises splitting the one or more non-overlapping symbols into a greater number of non-overlapping symbols when the map is zoomed in.

Abstract: A method for creating an oblique-mosaic image from a plurality of source images is disclosed. Initially, a desired area to be imaged and collected into an oblique-mosaic image is identified and then a mathematical model of a sensor of a virtual camera is created, where the virtual camera has an elevation greater than an elevation of the area to be imaged. The mathematical model has an oblique-mosaic pixel map for the sensor of the desired area. A surface location is determined for each pixel included in the oblique mosaic pixel map, and at least one source oblique image pixel of the area to be imaged is reprojected for each pixel included in the oblique-mosaic pixel map to thereby create an oblique-mosaic image of the desired geographical area. The at least one single oblique-mosaic image is visually pleasing and geographically accurate. Further, techniques for compensating for building lean in oblique-mosaic images are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for aligning raster and vector data. In an embodiment, a raster/vector aligner receives raster data and an approximate vector of a feature within the raster data. The raster/vector aligner generates an edge signal by edge filtering the raster data along a direction of the approximate vector and a smoothness signal by smoothness filtering the raster data along a direction of the approximate vector. The raster/vector aligner combines the edge signal and the smoothness signal into a combined signal which is used to generate a translation vector or a signal weight for the feature within the raster data.

Abstract: Response bubbles on a scannable form are provided that allow a user to mark the bubbles in a manner that signifies that the user wishes to have a response disregarded.

Abstract: An interventional roadmap method with optimization of the mask face is proposed. At least two empty images and at least two fill images are recorded in a mask phase A with a matrix-type array of pixels and stored. The empty and fill images are processed such that the gray values of each pixel of the x-ray images from mask phase A are arranged in ascending order. A mask image is computed from the processed empty and fill images such that the smallest gray values are averaged and from which the mask image will be formed. At least one current x-ray image is recorded and subtracted from the mask image to create roadmap images.

Abstract: A method and system for mapping anatomical connection and signaling across a multiplicity of channels, channel contents, and channel speed. In particular, the anatomical connection and signaling is mapped in relation to the human brain. Constructs a three-dimensional, dynamically structured, active model, for general or individual patterns. Uses for the present invention include: risk reduction in surgery to significant channels; planning cell insertion at sites where they can be expected to migrate to a less reachable target site; guiding searches for metastatic tumors; indirectly localizing brain structures; constructing models of disease in which multiple sites are involved in the deficit and any proposed repair; and building simulation of normal processes which require the sequential interaction of multiple sites.

Abstract: Methods and systems for an integrated sensor network are described. In one embodiment, sensor data may be accessed from a plurality of motion sensors and a bed sensor deployed in a living unit for a first time period. An activity pattern for the first time period may be identified based on at least a portion of sensor data associated with the first time period. The activity pattern may represent a physical and cognitive health condition of a person residing in the living unit. Additional sensor data may be accessed from the motion sensors and the bed sensor deployed for a second time period. A determination of whether a deviation of the activity pattern of the first time period has occurred for the second time period may be performed. An alert may be generated based on a determination that the derivation has occurred. In some embodiments, user feedback is captured on the significance of the alerts, and the alert method is customized based on this feedback. Additional methods and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to a computer-implemented architecture that can generate a map. The map can be a hybrid between an orthographic projection map and street-side images, thus including useful aspects from both types of representations. For example, an orthographic projection map is very effective at presenting global relationships among the features of the map, but not effective at presenting local detail. In contrast, street-side images show excellent detail, but do not convey the global information of an orthographic projection map. The hybrid map can thus provide a richer set of information than conventional maps, and can also display objects/features of the hybrid map in multiple perspectives simultaneously on a single representation that is printable.

Abstract: A method and system for brokering a media file from a media provider to a media requester. A media provider, such as a camera phone, captures a media file. A media requester provides an event-definition record to a network entity so as to request a media file. The network entity requests that the media provider provide media files that meet criteria defined by the event-definition record. The media provider provides a media file and media file data associated with the media file to the network entity. The network entity compares the media file data to the event-definition record, and provides the media file to the media requester if the media file data matches the event-definition record. An enterprise operating the network entity brokers the sale of the media file, in part, by collecting a payment from a media requester user and making a payment to a media provider user.

Abstract: A method of producing lane information for use in a map database is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the method includes acquiring one or more source images of a road surface and associated position and orientation data, the road having a direction and lane markings parallel to the direction of the road; acquiring road information representative of the direction of said road; transforming the one or more source images to obtain a transformed image in dependence of the road information, wherein each column of pixels of the transformed image corresponds to a surface parallel to the direction of said road; applying a filter with asymmetrical mask on the transformed image to obtain a filtered image; and producing lane information from the filtered image in dependence of the position and orientation data associated with the one or more source images.

Abstract: A method of concealing data in images imperceptibly alters curves therein, such as through adding a value representing the data to be hidden to each of a number of B-spline control points representing the original curve. The altered control points characterize the imperceptibly altered curve, which replaces the original curve in the image. The altered control points may be later extracted from the image and compared with the original control points to determine the hidden value. Prudent selection of the values altering the control points as well as an iterative alignment-minimization algorithm in the detection process provides protection against numerous techniques for preventing the hidden values from being recovered.

Abstract: There is provided a vision system and a method for scanning a traveling surface such a road to detect surface defects thereof such as cracks. The vision system, which is mountable on a vehicle, is provided with a linear imaging system for imaging successive adjacent transversal linear portions of the traveling surface as the vehicle advances. The vision system is also provided with laser line projecting means angularly projecting a laser line onto the transversal linear portion of the traveling surface to be imaged in a substantially coplanar relationship with the linear imaging system. The present vision system is particularly devised to be immune to surrounding light conditions variations to provide optimum cracks image contrast for both transverse and longitudinal cracks.

Abstract: A method for editing composite geographical images, including importing a raster geographical map file, the raster file including geographical information identifying raster image data, global positioning reference data and a first projection that transforms geographical coordinates to linear coordinates, importing a vector geographical map file, the vector file including geographical information identifying vector objects, rendering a two-dimensional raster image including transforming linear coordinates to geographical coordinates according to the inverse of a prescribed second projection that transforms geographical coordinates to linear coordinates, and re-projecting the geographical coordinates to linear coordinates according to the first projection, rendering a two-dimensional vector image including projecting the vector objects according to the prescribed second projection, compositing the two-dimensional image raster image and the two-dimensional vector image as layers of a composite image, and editin

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a handheld device that comprises an information module for obtaining and/or receiving information pertaining to a surface adjacent to the device, and a position determination arrangement for determining at least one of a position and/or velocity of the handheld device. The position determination arrangement comprises a determination module configured to determine at least one of a relative position of the handheld device and/or a velocity of the handheld device based upon at least one of surface markings located on the surface adjacent the device and/or apparatus markings located on an input apparatus. The surface markings and the apparatus markings are configured to provide absolute position information.

Abstract: The monitoring of territories in order to recognize forest and surface fires requires complex automatic and human-assisted processes, which ultimately must include the control of intervention forces. Disclosed are processes for the centralised monitoring of territories. A swiveling and tiltable camera installed at a monitoring site supplies images of overlapping observation sectors. In each observation sector a sequence of images comprising a plurality of images is taken, at an interval which corresponds to fire and smoke dynamics. An on-site image-processing software supplies event warnings with indication of the position of the event site in the analysed image. A total image and an image sequence with image sections of the vent site are then transmitted to a central station and reproduced at the central station as an endless sequence in quick-motion mode. Event warnings with all relevant data can be blended into electronic maps at the central station.

Abstract: A locate device for a locate operation to detect a presence or an absence of one or more underground facilities is configured to access and display facilities map information, and/or other image information, as a visual aid to facilitate the locate operation. In various aspects, methods and apparatus relate to: selection of an appropriate “base” facilities map, or information from a database of facilities map data, relating to a given work site/dig area; selection of an appropriate pan and/or zoom (resolution) for displaying facilities map information; appropriately updating displayed facilities map information while a locate device is used during a locate operation (e.g. changing pan, zoom and/or orientation); overlaying on the displayed facilities map information locate information and/or landmark information relating to the locate operation; and storing locally on the locate device, and/or transmitting from the locate device, facilities map information and/or overlaid locate/landmark information (e.g.

Abstract: A method of identifying or tracking a line in an image comprises determining a start point that belongs to a line, and identifying a plurality of possible end points belonging to the line using a search window, and calculating values for a plurality of paths connecting the start point and the end points to determine an optimum end point and path, characterised in that the search window is non-rectangular.

Abstract: Provided is a computer system and method for mapping a visual path. The method includes receiving one or more images included in a predefined area; receiving one or more parameters associated with the image; and integrating the images and parameters into a map of the predefined area to enable mapping the visual path through the predefined area in response to one or more input path parameters.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for referencing a map to the coordinate space of a positioning system, such as a GPS system. For each of a number of real-world positions (X1, X2, X3), the location (LP1, LP2, LP3) of the real-world position in a coordinate space of the map, is associated with a location(LG1, LG2, LG3) in the coordinate space of the positioning system determined by taking at least one positioning-system reading at the real-world position (X1, X2, X3). Using these associated locations, a master transform is determined for converting relative location information between the coordinate spaces. The relative location information is information that serves to specify a location relative to the already-known locations and can take the form of displacement vector information.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for decoding a mixed code that is a combination of first and second code images. In the method, a mixed code image is obtained by receiving the original image having the mixed code image and removing noise from the original image. Next, the colors, shades, and brightnesses of pixels of the mixed code image are categorized into groups based on a predetermined threshold, the mixed code image is divided into first and second code images, and first and second information are extracted by decoding the first and second code images, respectively. The first and second code images can be effectively decoded by decoding interpretation information, construction information, error control information, and code direction information stored in the first and/or second code images.

Abstract: A non-contact method and apparatus for inspecting an object via phase analysis. A projector projects an optical pattern onto the surface of an object to be inspected. At least first and second images of the surface on which the optical pattern is projected are then obtained. The phase of the optical pattern at the surface is changed between the first and second image by moving the projector relative to the object.

Abstract: A method and system for processing image data to identify objects in an image. The method and system operate using various resolutions of the image to identify the objects. Information obtained while processing the image at one resolution is employed when processing the image at another resolution. The method and system identify objects in the image based on the information obtained at the various resolutions of the image.

Abstract: An information processing device and method, a program, and an information processing system, for location identification at small granularity with high accuracy are disclosed. A portable terminal has a camera in addition to a GPS module. In a location recognition model construction phase, a location recognition model is constructed from an image sequence taken by the camera, associated with location information collected by the GPS module and the like, and stored. In a location identification phase, the current location in a global area is identified by the GPS module, and the current location in a local area is identified on the basis of the location recognition model selected from the identification result and the image sequence obtained at the time. The present invention can be applied to portable terminals such as notebook type personal computers, PDAs and mobile telephones.

Abstract: A photograph repository system includes data storage for storing photographs in the form of digital data files and a search feature that provides for searching for photographs by location and optionally by other search criteria. In one embodiment, a photograph repository service is accessible to users over a common data network, such as the Internet. In the photograph repository service, each stored photograph is associated with a location, i.e., where the photograph was taken and/or the location of an object in the photograph. Users can search for and obtain copies of their own photographs that they had stored previously with the photograph repository service. In addition, users can search for and obtain copies of photographs that had been taken by other users and stored with the photograph repository service. The photograph repository system can also be implemented as a standalone system, a hybrid system, or a peer-to-peer system.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for chart pattern recognition and analysis. In one embodiment, a graphical interface is provided to enable a trader to select a portion of a chart to be used in the chart pattern analysis. The pattern of the selected portion of the chart could then be used to find one or more similar chart patterns in a user-defined timeframe, such as any future time period or a time period in the past. When a reoccurring chart pattern is found in any future time period, an alert signal can be generated to alert a user of a possibility of the chart pattern reoccurrence. Alternatively, chart pattern matches can be found in a time period in the past, and a set of studies can be applied to the found matches to generate a set of reoccurring indicator values. The reoccurring indicator values can be used in combination with the chart pattern to detect any similar chart patterns in the future.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method, system and computer-readable recording medium for providing an electronic map-based service. According to an aspect of the disclosure, a method of recognizing a shape included in image data associated with an electronic map includes: acquiring region information corresponding to first image data; determining a candidate region on the electronic map using the region information; determining at least one candidate image using the candidate region; and recognizing a shape included in the first image data using the candidate image.

Abstract: Method for parallel approximation of distance maps on a discrete representation of a manifold, the method comprising: for at least one Euclidean grid applied on the discrete representation of a manifold, iterating over rows of the Euclidean grid in a first direction, and for each row currently visited during the iterating in the first direction, calculating a distance value for each single cell of the currently visited row in parallel, wherein the calculating is carried out according to a predefined approximation rule, using a distance value calculated for each one of respective cells of a row visited immediately before the currently visited row, wherein the cells of the row visited before the currently visited row are adjacent to the single cell in the Euclidean grid.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a method for providing a deviation map of an eye that includes: (a) acquiring data comprising a corneal topographic map; (b) determining locations of abnormal curvature within the topographic map; (c) determining a modified topographic map by removing data associated with locations of abnormal curvature; (d) computing a reference map from the modified topographic map; (e) computing a deviation map by combining the topographic map and the reference map; and (f) displaying or storing the deviation map. An additional embodiment includes the processing of pachymetric data in a similar fashion.

Abstract: Method for determining similarities between a first user and a second user in a network, including receiving one or more Global Positioning System (GPS) logs from each user in the network, constructing a first hierarchal graph for the first user's GPS log and a second hierarchical graph for the second user's GPS log, and calculating a similarity score between the first user and the second user based on the first hierarchal graph and the second hierarchical graph.

Abstract: Driver reporting documents are managed by a method comprising scanning a physical driver log sheet including an analog graph to obtain an electronic image data file which is stored on a system. A unique identifier is associated to the electronic image data file. The electronic image data file is processed to capture data regarding reported activity, wherein analog grid information is extracted as digital information and to capture data regarding non-grid activity. The data regarding reported activity is processed to determine compliance with activity standards and a report on compliance with activity standards is generated. A system for implementing this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a radar image processing device and a radar image processing method which can accurately extract a change of a ground surface, a communication interface unit (10) obtains a plurality of radar image data of a same observation target obtained at different times and stores in a radar image storage unit (12), and a registration processor (14) reads the plurality of radar image data from the radar image storage unit (12) and registrates the radar image data with respect to each other. Then, a characteristic value calculating unit (18) calculates a plurality of characteristic values indicating a state of a ground surface which is the observation target based on the positioned radar image data.

Abstract: An application initiates a display of a first portion of an image in a viewing region of a display screen. Additionally, the application initiates a transparent display of an overflow indicator in a display area of the viewing region to enable viewing through the overflow indicator to corresponding content associated with the image. As its name suggests, the overflow indicator indicates that there is a second portion of the image not currently displayed in the viewing region. This technique of providing the overflow indicator overlaid on the image enhances a user's viewing experience because a display area or region occupied by the overflow indicator (e.g., a shaded region) enables a user to i) view an unobstructed view of the image beneath the overflow indicator, and ii) identify that a current size of the viewing region only shows a portion of the image rather than the whole image.

Abstract: A method for automatically updating a graphical information system (GIS) type database using aerial imagery. The method may involve processing a new image to identify at least one target region therewithin; analyzing the target region to determine image invariant moments thereof; using feature vector data to generate a template of a target feature from an old image; analyzing the template to generate image invariant moments thereof; and comparing the image invariant moments of the target region with the image invariant moments of the template to identify a feature change between the target region and the template.

Abstract: A method for improving scene classification of a sequence of digital images is disclosed herein. Such a method may include providing a sequence of images captured in temporal succession; (b) classifying each of the images individually based on information contained in the image alone to generate a first image classification; and (c) imposing a pre-determined temporal context model on the sequence of images to generate a final image classification for each image in the sequence.

Abstract: The present invention provides a measurement tool for use with an application suited for viewing a digitized drawing. The measurement tool enables the measurement of lengths (of both lines and poly lines) and areas (of both regular and irregular shapes) from a digital drawing in true scale. This is particularly advantageous with original architectural drawings or other drawings that are scanned from paper into a digital format and where measuring or annotating the drawing in true scale is important.

Abstract: Automatic conflation systems and techniques which provide vector-imagery conflation and map-imagery conflation. Vector-imagery conflation is an efficient approach that exploits knowledge from multiple data sources to identify a set of accurate control points. Vector-imagery conflation provides automatic and accurate alignment of various vector datasets and imagery, and is appropriate for GIS applications, for example, requiring alignment of vector data and imagery over large geographical regions. Map-imagery conflation utilizes common vector datasets as “glue” to automatically integrate street maps with imagery. This approach provides automatic, accurate, and intelligent images that combine the visual appeal and accuracy of imagery with the detailed attribution information often contained in such diverse maps. Both conflation approaches are applicable for GIS applications requiring, for example, alignment of vector data, raster maps, and imagery.

Abstract: The present invention solves problems to provide an in-vehicle information processing device that is equipped in a vehicle to perform communications wirelessly and has a function as a communication terminal for transmitting and receiving information without an access point to form an ad-hoc wireless communication network, the device comprising: a road shape storage unit 19 operable to store road shape data of a road leading to a driver's destination; a propagation path derivation unit 21 operable to derive propagation path data from information received by a driver's vehicle, using position data of another vehicle from which the information is propagated; a determination unit 15 operable to determine whether or not the propagation path data matches the road shape data, and to generate match information in a case that the propagation path data matches the road shape data; and a notification unit 16 operable to notify the driver of the received information in a case that the match information is generated.

Abstract: Systems, devices, applications, and methods for generating an open area map are disclosed. For example, a software application is configured to run on a computing platform of an end user. The end user generates an image of a layout of a walkable area. The software application performs a method of generating an open area map based on the image. The method includes applying an array of uniformly spaced objects on the image. A routable map is generated as a function of the array. The routable map is configured to provide point-to-point routing within the layout.

Abstract: Systems and methods corresponding to an open area map are disclosed. For example, one method comprises identifying a destination selected in an open area map. The open area map includes an image of a layout representing a real-world area in which a person walks about. The open area map is associated with a grid. A route is calculated from an origin point to the selected destination in the open area map as a function of the grid. Audio or text content corresponding to the calculated route is provided.

Abstract: A method for extracting a linear feature from remotely sensed imagery, including selecting by user interface anchor points for the linear feature, the anchor points being identified with a geographic location; using image-based logic to automatically calculate a vector set associated with the anchor points, the vector set comprising a path associated with the linear feature; automatically attributing a material type to the path; automatically attributing a geometry to the path; selecting by user interface anchor points for a successive linear feature; using image-based logic to calculate a successive vector set associated with the anchor points for the successive linear feature, the successive vector set comprising a successive path; using a geometric relationship between the vector set and the successive vector set to automatically adjust the vector set to create an adjusted vector set, the adjusted vector set correcting the path associated with the first linear feature.

Abstract: A method of determining a ground line from an input image. The method includes determining a plurality of ground line candidates from the image, determining a certain band a central-line of which is a boundary between a G region and other regions in a Ground Building Sky (GBS) map of the image, and determining the ground line of the image by selecting a ground line candidate, among the plurality of ground line candidates, having the greatest extent crossing the certain band.

Abstract: Point of origin information for image data may be inaccurately registered against a geographic location absolute. A process for aligning image and highly accurate model data adjusts a point of origin of the image data by matching elements in the image with corresponding elements of the model. In a street-level image, building skylines can be extracted and corresponding skylines from the building model can be placed over the image-based skyline. By adjusting the point of origin of the image, the respective skylines can be aligned. Building edge and facade depth information can similarly be matched by adjusting the image point of origin of the image. The adjusted point of origin of the image can be used to then automatically place images on the models for a long run of images.

Abstract: A legend overlaid on a composite image includes at least one zone, corresponding to a coded portion of the image, and at least one other zone, which is transparent, corresponding to an un-coded portion of the image.

Abstract: A CAD/GIS system that dynamically updates planar topologies through incremental updating techniques. Rather than batch processing all of the changes to every geometrical feature in a given site map, the changes are made in incremental fashion and only enclosures or faces/parcels that are affected by changes are updated.

Abstract: An accuracy enhancing system may include an image processor cooperating with a database for generating a reference geospatial image corresponding to the collected geospatial image, a change detector cooperating with the image processor for detecting a change between the collected geospatial image and the reference geospatial image, and an accuracy enhancer. The accuracy enhancer may cooperate with the change detector for generating at least one enhanced accuracy value corresponding to the at least one geospatial collection value based upon the change detected between the collected geospatial image and the reference geospatial image. The airborne platform may traverse an actual flight path based upon a planned flight path, and the image processor may generate the reference geospatial image based upon a desired match with the collected geospatial image.

Abstract: A server unit (400) recognizes a travel route search request together with a current position information and a destination information from a terminal unit (300) over a network (200) and searches for a travel route with use of a matching data of a map information. The server unit (400) sends a matching mesh information including a node and link that represent a road corresponding to the travel route and a display mesh information for areas other than the areas represented by the matching mesh information together with the information for the travel route to the terminal unit (300) over the network (200). The terminal unit (300) displays a road based on the matching mesh information and the information excluding the road based on the display mesh information on a terminal display. Thus, the information amount of the map information to be processed can be reduced thereby improving the processing efficiency.

Abstract: A control section edits a complete flow line as an entire trajectory in a sales area for each customer, based on data for a flow line generated from a camera image obtained by shooting the sales area. The complete flow line is reproduced as trajectories of customers by a display section. The control section accepts input of information on transaction settlements by the customers. When the information is input through an input section, it is added to the complete flow line data of the customers being reproduced and is stored into a complete flow line database. The control section matches the complete flow line data stored in the complete flow line database with transaction data specified by the information on the transaction settlements added to the complete flow line data.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, method, and computer program product is disclosed, each capable of correcting distortion in a scanned image, using at least a character line extracted from the scanned image. The character line is extracted based on a circumscribed rectangle, representing the vertical component of the character. The distortion in the scanned image is corrected based on the length of the circumscribed rectangle in the main scanning direction.

Abstract: An image change detecting system may include an image processor cooperating with the database for generating a reference geospatial image corresponding to the collected geospatial image, an image enhancer for enhancing at least one of the reference geospatial image and the collected geospatial image based upon at least one environmental condition, and a change detector cooperating with the image processor and the image enhancer. The change detector may detect a change between the collected geospatial image and the reference geospatial image with at least one thereof enhanced by the image enhancer based upon the at least one environmental condition. The environmental condition may include a weather condition, a time of day, or a time of year. The environmental condition may be typically associated with the collected geospatial image.